Insulation Options for New Homes in the UK – The Essential Guide

Insulation is an essential aspect of any new home construction project. Proper insulation can improve energy efficiency, reduce heating and cooling costs, and ensure a comfortable living environment. Among the various insulation options available, spray foam insulation has emerged as a popular choice due to its unique benefits. In this article, we’ll explore the different insulation options for new homes and highlight the advantages of spray foam insulation.

Insulation Options for New Homes

1. Fiberglass insulation is a traditional and widely used option for new homes. It consists of glass fibres that are woven together and compressed into batts or rolls. Fiberglass insulation is affordable, easy to install, and effective at reducing heat transfer. However, it has a lower R-value (insulating effectiveness) compared to other options and may not be as effective in extreme temperatures.
2. Cellulose insulation is made from recycled paper and treated with fire-retardant chemicals. It is blown into wall cavities or attics to create a dense layer of insulation. Cellulose insulation is eco-friendly, affordable, and provides a higher R-value than fiberglass insulation. However, it may settle over time and lose its insulating effectiveness.
3. Mineral wool insulation is made from natural materials such as volcanic rock or slag. It is formed into batts or rolls and installed in wall cavities or attics. Mineral wool insulation is fire-resistant, moisture-resistant, and provides a higher R-value than fiberglass insulation. However, it can be more expensive than other options and may require professional installation.
4. Spray foam insulation is a newer option that has gained popularity in recent years. It consists of a liquid foam that is sprayed onto surfaces and expands to fill gaps and cavities. Spray foam insulation provides a high R-value, air sealing properties, and is more effective at reducing heat transfer than other options. It can also provide structural support to a building and has a longer lifespan than other insulation types.

As seen above Spray foam insulation and Fibreglass are two most used insulation type but spray foam insulation trumps fibreglass on mostly all the parameters as discussed below:

6. Insulating Effectiveness – Spray foam insulation provides a higher insulating effectiveness than fiberglass insulation. Spray foam insulation typically has an R-value of 6.5-7 per inch of thickness, while fiberglass insulation typically has an R-value of 2.2-4 per inch of thickness. This means that less spray foam insulation is needed to achieve the same level of insulating effectiveness as fiberglass insulation.
7. Air Sealing Properties – Spray foam insulation has air sealing properties that fiberglass insulation lacks. Spray foam insulation expands to fill gaps and crevices, creating an airtight seal that prevents air leaks and infiltration. In contrast, fiberglass insulation does not expand and may leave gaps that allow air to leak through, reducing its effectiveness.
8. Moisture Resistance – Spray foam insulation is moisture resistant, which means that it can prevent moisture from entering a home and causing damage to the structure or promoting mold growth. Fiberglass insulation, on the other hand, can absorb moisture, which can reduce its effectiveness and cause damage over time.
9. Structural Support – Spray foam insulation can provide structural support to a building due to its ability to adhere to surfaces and expand to fill gaps. This can strengthen the building’s structure and improve its durability. In contrast, fiberglass insulation does not provide any structural support.
10. Longevity – Spray foam insulation has a longer lifespan than fiberglass insulation and can last up to life of the roof. Fiberglass insulation, on the other hand, may need to be replaced every 5-6 years, depending on the quality of the installation and other factors.
11. Eco-Friendliness – Spray foam insulation is eco-friendlier than fiberglass insulation in some ways. Spray foam insulation is made from recycled and renewable materials, and it can improve energy efficiency, which reduces greenhouse gas emissions. In contrast, fiberglass insulation is made from non-renewable materials and may require a significant amount of energy to produce and transport.
12. Installation – Spray foam insulation requires professional installation, while fiberglass insulation can be installed by homeowners. However, professional installation of spray foam insulation ensures that it is installed correctly and that all gaps and crevices are properly sealed.